HORMONE THERAPIES

Our goal is to help inform women about their options so that they can make the choice that’s best for them. This holds true for treatment with hormones. There is no best therapy; there is just the therapy that is best for you. Along with traditional hormone therapy, we offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (bHRT). We’ve always found that women feel their best when their treatment is customized to their individual needs. There are many different forms of bioidentical HRT that work in different ways, and each woman responds according to her unique physiology. Also, each woman must decide which medium is best for them; pills, creams, or pellets. And it’s also important to understand that while bHRT can provide amazing results in some women, others need more support — or different kinds of support — to get the same relief.

Bioidentical hormones are manufactured in the lab to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. By contrast, synthetic hormones are intentionally different. Though bioidentical hormones have been around for years, though most practitioners are unfamiliar with them. There are several branded versions now available for use in the kind of hormone replacement therapy typical of synthetic hormones. This is often a one-size-fits-all dosage regime. In our practice, we have had the greatest success with an individualized approach. We begin with laboratory tests of hormone levels (a so-called “hormone panel”). If the tests indicate it, we then prescribe a precise dosage of bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, and/or testosterone that is prepared at a registered compounding pharmacy, in one of the forms the patient has chosen or is available. Each patient is then monitored carefully through regular follow-up hormone panels to ensure she gets symptom relief at the lowest possible dosage. In the initial stages, we will do a hormone panel at 3 and then 8 weeks. Once balance is restored, we’ll do one panel a year.

FAQ about bHRT

What are hormone pellets made of?
They are derived from soybeans and contain estradiol or testosterone. They are manufactured by a compounding pharmacy and packaged in a sterile glass vial. The pellets are completely biodegradable under the skin and leave no residue.

How often must they be inserted?
Usually every 3 to 6 months. Occasionally, “booster” doses are given before then.

How will I know when it’s time for more pellets? Do I need a blood test every time?
Patients can usually tell when it’s time for more by how they feel. If it has been less than 3 months, blood levels should be re-checked. If it’s more than 4 months, you can get more pellets without another blood test.

Are there any complications from pellet insertion?
Minor bleeding or bruising or discoloration of the skin, infection and possible extrusion of the pellet can occur but are rare.

What is the cost of the bHRT treatment?
Costs and Visits

First visit: Consultation for menopausal or other symptoms of hormone deficiency. First visit covered by most insurance
Follow up visits: Review of all test results and treatment plan counseling.
These visits are covered by most insurance.
All insertion visits are cash pay, (if the insertion is reimbursed by your insurance, (which is not common), we will bill for you, and credit your account toward your pellets at your next visit).
Visit for first insertion $175.00 + cost of pellets
3 month visit with insertion $175.00 + cost of pellets.
6 month visit with insertion $175.00+ cost of pellets.


Pellet costs
Estradiol
25mg $60.00
50mg $75.00
75mg $90.00
100mg $120.00
Testosterone
25mg $60.00
50mg $65.00
100mg $75.00
200mg $90.00


FDA Official Statement on bHRT
"The FDA does not recognize the terms 'BHRT' and 'bioidentical.' Many compounding pharmacies use 'bioidentical' as a marketing term to imply that drugs are natural or have effects identical to those from hormones made by the body. FDA is not aware of credible scientific evidence to support these claims. There are potentially serious adverse effects associated with long-term use of these products—even when consumers use FDA-approved hormone therapy drugs that have been proven safe and effective. FDA recommends that women use these products at as low a dosage and for the shortest amount of time necessary."